As the Society grew, members began to think that it could be possible to develop an operating railway so that they could gain and use skills in running their own trains. A decision was made to bring this to fruition and a suitable location was found at the Beenleigh Rum Distillery. The Distillery had been connected to the former South Coast Railway by a spur and it was planned to set up our operating railway there. However, after a short time, when many exhibits had been assembled on site and work had proceeded on restoration, it became evident that this site was not suitable, as the planned rebuilding of the South Coast line would severely restrict our operations.